Tattoo Equipment

Recommended size for Boer goats is 3/8 inch.  

Tattoo pliers (tongs)

Letters (A-Z) it is a good idea to have doubles of some letters

Numbers (0-9) it is a good idea to have doubles of all numbers

Tattoo Ink or paste.  Green is the most commonly used. Some use white on dark ears.

Paper (use the paper to “test” the tattoo to insure the numbers and letters are lined correctly.

To insure a lasting tattoo here are some tips to follow. Secure the goat in either a chute or a disbudding box.  Clean the ear with alcohol and allow it to dry.  Apply ink in area for tattoo. Be careful to avoid the “veins” that run the length of the ear and any areas covered with hair. Align the tattoo pliers on top of the ink and apply firm pressure, making sure the needles penetrate the ear. Carefully remove the pliers. Immediately begin to rub the ink pushing it into the holes. Either use your finger, a tooth brush or the eraser on a pencil.  Apply baking soda and rub in until any bleeding stops and the tattoo holes are filled.  Applying the baking soda will allow the ink to set quicker.

I use a .300 and tattoo the goats at a young age.  The tattoo will “grow” some as the baby grows.  The tongs will hold up to five digits.

The rules on tattooing are; farm name in the RIGHT ear and the year letter in the LEFT ear.  The letter for 2006 is the letter “V”.  The number with it can be any number you choose. 

 Hint----Right ear- rightful owner- (farm name)